Obesities · Published 2025-11-13 · DOI 10.3390/obesities5040080
Background/Objectives: Systemic arterial hypertension (SAH) is a multifactorial condition strongly associated with increased morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of SAH and its associated factors among female workers in a large company in Southern Brazil. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with a sample of 451 female workers aged 18 years or older. Blood pressure (BP) was measured using an automated digital upper-arm device. SAH was defined as systolic BP and/or diastolic BP ≥ 140/90 mmHg or the use of antihypertensive medications. Prevalence ratios were estimated using Poisson regression with robust variance. Results: The mean age of the sample was 35 ± 10 years. The prevalence of SAH was 27.7% (95% CI: 23.6–31.9). Among workers with obesity (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m<sup>2</sup>), the prevalence of SAH reached 42.8%. In multivariable-adjusted models, workers aged ≥41 years had a 48% higher probability of having SAH (PR = 1.48; 95% CI: 1.01–2.18) compared with younger women (18–30 years). Conversely, a 52% lower probability of SAH was observed among workers with higher monthly per capita income (>2 minimum wages) compared with those earning <1 minimum wage (PR = 0.48; 95% CI: 0.28–0.80). Obesity was associated with an 85% increased probability of SAH (PR = 1.85; 95% CI: 1.30–2.47). Conclusions: The findings of this study revealed that SAH is prevalent in this specific population of female workers, particularly among older women and those with obesity.
Abstract from DOAJ. Public domain (CC0 1.0).
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